How to Prevent Date Rape

Ten Things You Can Do To Protect Yourself Against Date Rape

1. Remember, you always have the right to say no. Even if you have been making out, drinking, you said yes before, you've had sex before, your partner says, "you owe me," you're dressed in sexy clothes, or you think he/she will get mad.

2. Use caution. Don't go off alone with someone you don't know well. Suggest hanging out with a group, going to a public place, or double dating.

3. Rape is when someone forces you to have sex. That force can be not stopping when you say no, threatening to hurt you, physically holding you down, using a weapon, or knowing that you're too drunk to say no. It is also rape if the person threatens to tell other people you had sex if you don't give in, make it seem like something worse will happen if you don't give in, or threatens to hurt him/her self if you don't.

4. Be clear about your limits. If someone is pushing you to have sex when you don't want to, say no clearly. Don't be afraid of hurting his/her feelings. If you don't say no clearly, he/she may think you are okay with what's happening. Remember, if the person doesn't listen to no, it's not your fault.

5. Stay in charge. Staying in charge means saying what you want and knowing what you are doing. Avoid drinking and using drugs. They make it hard for you to stay in charge. Call your parents or trusted friend to come pick you up if you are unsure of your safety. Always carry change for a phone call. Remember, it's better to get into trouble for being somewhere you shouldn't be than to get raped.

6. Watch for danger signs. If a person doesn't listen to you at other times, he/she may not listen to you in a sexual setting. Someone may not respect your limits if he/she sits or stands too close of stares you down, or seems to like it if you are uncomfortable.

7. It is okay to lie to protect yourself. If you think saying no will make the situation worse, say you have to go to the bathroom. Then go make a phone call for help.

8. What if the person doesn't listen to no? Say no again - loudly. Say, "stop. You're not listening. You need to respect my limits."

9. Fight back. If the person uses physical force, fight back. Try to get away. Push him/her away - hard. Stomp on his/her toes; knee him in the groin; poke him/her in the eyes. Yell loudly for help. Run where there are other people.

10. Get help. If you don't feel like you can say no or fight back, take a self defense class. If someone tries to rape you or if you have been raped, get help as soon as possible. Talk to a trusted adult, contact your local rape crisis center or call the police. Remember, if a person doesn't listen to you, it's not your fault.